Newspaper Page Text
58
Original.
For the Index.
Woodland Female College. ifjr 1
Dear Brother: —Having just returned from a
visit to Woodland Female College, located at Ce
dar Town, Polk county, and believing the
Institution to be eminently meritorious and wor
thy of patronage, I feel disposed to make a state
ment of facts, and my impression in relation to
said Institution.
In the first place, it i9 situated in a beautiful
grove, sufficiently private, and yet very accessible
from all parts of the town and surrounding coun
try. There are no local causes for disease, as the
site of the town is in the famous Cedar Valley, ]
and is surrounded by the high and broken piny
woods, and a number of fine mountain ridges.
The water is very superior. A large limestone
spring furnishes the inhabitants with an abundant
®Hlupply of pure crystal water, but slightly impreg
nated with lime. There are also many fine wells,
in short, the town is finely watered, and as a nat
ural consequence, the health of the valley has
been very remarkable, it having been exempt
from many of the epidemics common to the Cbero
kee region. The buildings are not costly, but
are quite commodious, and are admirably arrang
ed for scholastic purposes. There is a fino Ward
ing house within fifty yards of the college build
ings. The house is roomy and oomfortable, be
ing so constructed as to be well ventilated, and
also being famished with good warm rooms, and
fire places. The steward and lady (Bro. J Terrel!
and lady,) keep a good house, in which our
daughters are cared for in sickness and in health.
While the young ladies are made to feel free and
at home, at the same time the wholesome re
straints necessary to correct deportment are rigid
ly enforoed. The whole boarding establishment
presents a scene of plenty, neatness, contentment
and propriety. That decorum requisite to a lady
of education, is inculcated and fostered daily.—
The cheapnesr of board merits particular notice.
The very moderate sum of $8 per month, wash
ing and everything included, except candles, will
secure a place in the delightful establishment.
The accommodation offered exceeds that sum, and
the steward is enabled to accommodate upon the
te-ms just mentioned, by a gratuity of rent, fur
niture, <fec., by the Trustees of the College. It
was the intention of the Board to offer superior
boarding for a small compensation, and, they have
succeeded in doing it. The rates of tuition were
arranged for the same purpose. The studies com
mon to our best colleges are thoroughly taught at
a lower rate here than elsewhere. Cheapness and
thoroughness, both in the Musical and Literary
departments, seem to have a prominent place >n
the arrangements of the Trustees.
Having spoken of the location, the buildings,
terras of board and tuition, the boarding estab
lishment, &c., justice requires a short notice of the
officers of the college. Any notice of the Facul
ty would be superfluous where they are known,
but for the information of our denomination, and
the friends and patrons of learning, it is, perhaps,
proper in this connection to mention them re
spectively, and to state facts. The President is
our beloved Brother Jesse M. Wood, formorly of
Middle, but for the la9t few years of Cherokee,
Ga. He is a brother of very considerable natural
ability, which has been cultivated by a libera!
training in Literature, Science, and in Theology.
Those who know him best, love and appieeiate
his valuable services in encouraging learning and
in dispensing the wholesome doctrines of our
blessed Christianity. To a natural dignity, he
adds affability and mildness in his intercourse
with his pupils and his fellow-citizens. He is a
polished gentleman and an exemplary Christian,
and well merits the position which he so ably
fills. Bro. J. D. Collins, the Professor of Natural
Science and Ancient Languages, has been connect
ed with the Institution for several years, and
stands high as a man, a scholar, and a successful
instructor of youth. He has at his command a
well selected apparatus, both Chemical and Philo
sophic, and also a good cabinet of Geological
specimens, and minerals. Having a great fond
ness for the sciences, he has attained considerable
proficiency iu the management of the Laboratory
and daily dispenses knowledge, both useful and
superior in kind. He is energetic and untiring in
the performance of the duties of his station. He
is experienced and able in his department. Bro. !
J. A. Arnold, the present Professor of Mathemat- |
ics, and of Mental and Moral Science, is so favor
ably known, from his former connection with the
South Western Female College, at Cuthbert, aud
with various other Institutions in Alabama and
Georgia, that it is unnecessary to say more of him,
than that he has brought to the aid of Woodland
the same commending talents and indomitable !
perseverance which have rendered him so efficient .
as an instructor, and given him such a well-merited i
reputation in other places. He seems to take i
great delight in his department and imparts in- I
struction to his various classes with a clearness
and force seldom surpassed. The Musical Pro
fessor, C. W. Langworth of New York is said to
be an accomplished Musician. His department is
in successful operation. He has a fine French
Organ with which he proposes to exercise the
young Ladies in Vocal Music. A choir is now be
ing formed, and as he has a fine voice, well culti
vated, and a superior instrument, l have no doubt
that in addition to extensive attainments on the
piano, the pupils will be taught Vocal Music,
which will make them useful in cur houses of Di
vine worship. I find the tuition lower by $lO.
than in otner Musical departments of similar
gride.
I had heard that Woodland was on the decline,
and fel grieved; hut on going to the Iqgtitution,
and looking at everything, I am happy to state
that a wrong impression has gone abroad. One
object in this communication is to correct the false
impiession. It has a fair patronage. The pat
ronage from a distance, I regard a flattering.- j
Here are several from W&jrren, .Cass, Catoosa;
6ome from Talbot and Polk, be
sides others from Benton in Alabama. Quite a
number, more expected, from abroad. It is
the opinion of the people, that the Institution i
-a flourishing state. In conclusion, Bro. Editor,
Woodland is not dead, but is flourishing, and
long may it continue to bless our common coun
try. I ought to mention before closing, that the
course of study is ample, and such attention is
paid to each study, that superficiality—that bane
to all true progress—is avoided at Woodland. I
am a patron myself. I am pleased, and wish
my brethren posted so that they may enjoy the
privilege of patronising the College, which with
the blessings of God is destined to do so much
for our church and country. T. K. P.
For the Index.
What Constitute* a Church or Denomination
Evangelical?
Dear Bro. Martin: I present the above query’
for your serious consideration, and for that of your
many intelligent readers. It is a very common
thing to hear persons speak of preachers and
churches as evangelical, and declare of others that
they are not evangelical. It is sometimes the case
too, of late years, that at our Associational and
other public meetings, an invitation is extended to
ministers of other evangelical denominations to
take seats with us. These facts would naturally
lead one to suppose that there could le but little
difficulty iD returning an answer to the query pro
posed above, but I must confess that I am very’
much puzzled to find an answer to it satisfactory
even to my own mind; for,
1. It appears on evidence, that even the church
of Koine, the mother of all apostate churches,
teaches what are considered the cardinal doctrines
of the gospel as clearly as any of her Protestant
daughters. Her members manifest, too, more
zeal in propagating and defend!ug their religion,
contribute more for its support, make greater sacri
fices, and endure suffering and even ruartydorn
with more readiness and apparent fortitude than
many members of Protestant churches, Many
Protestants have renounced their faith when
brought to the stake, but rarely, if ever, has a
Romanist been known to do the same thing.*—
The lives, too, of some Romanists, have been as
exemplary as the lives of any of our Portestant
martyrs. If any doubt the truth of this assertion,
let them read the record of the life and labors of
Francis Xavier.
2. There is abundant documentary evidence to
prove that the so called evangelical Protestants
teach doctrines referred to, in what they say of
the “way or meana” provided to enable one “to
learn,” die., will be evident by turning to the pas
sages of Scripture to which they refer, viz: Matt,
xi: 25, 27 and xvi: 17, Jno. av: 22, 1 Cor. i: 27,
and ii: 1*21*13, Eph iv : 11,14. All of these have
a direct reference to the Holy Spirit.
OF UKFKNANCE,
The Douav Catechism gives a very good and
scriptural definition of repentance, in its answer to
the question, “What is Contrition?” Ans. “A
hearty sorrow for and detestation of our sins, by
which we have offended so good a God; with a
firm purpose of amendment.”
OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES.
Bellarmine says (De Vcrbo Dei, L. I. capij.)—
“There is nothing more certain or better known
than the Sacred Scrptures, contained in the pro
phetic and apostolic‘ writing, so that it must be
the the most egregious folly to deny that faith is
to be had in them. That they are well known,
the whole Christian world is witness ; and the con
sent of all nations, where, for many ages, they
have obtained the chief authority.”
If true faitli in the Lord Jesus Christ, “a hearty
sorrow for and detestation of our sins,” an acknowl
edgement of our entire dependence upon the illu
minating and sanctifying influences of the Holy
Spirit, and of the supreme authority of God’s word
are evangelical doctrines, then do Roman Catho
lics teach evangelical doctrines as well as Protest
ant. The authors of the Augsburg Confession,
say of the articles of their faith, “ It is evident they
ooutain nothing inconsistent with the Scriptures,
or with the Catholic or Roman Church , as far as
is known from their writings.” (See the conclu
sion of Art. xxi.) They also pronounce it “a
slanderous charge, that ail the ancient customs and
institutions are abolished in our churches.” If
then Protestant Pedobaptists are to be considered
evangelical, so must Romanists be, seeing they
: hold the same cardinal doctrines, and both claim
j and exercise the right to modify the “rites and
ceremonies’’ of the church aud introduce new ones.
(Augsb. Con., Art. vii, Pres. Con., Art. vi, Luth.
Man., pp. 118, 127, Budden’s Theol., lost., et al.)
It remains to be shown that the so called evan
gelical Protestant denominations, teach doctrines
as contrary to the doctrines of the gospel as any
taught by Romanists.
They do virtually deny the Lord who bought
I them, by attributing to the church , an organiza
: tion of mortal man, aud to baptism , what is pro
! perly attributable only to the Saviour. I make the
statement with no unkind feelings towards any
one, but with sincere regret that the fact should be
as stated. I will submit a portion of the evidence
upon which my statement is based.
In tbe Lutheran Manual, a recent publication,
p. 14, it is affirmed of the church, that “It is a
place of refuge provided by God himself for fallen
man, and if he voluntarily neglect to flee to k for
safety, he will forever fail to find any other hiding
place from tbe tempest or refuge from the storm
of the divine displeasure. Again, p. 16, “The
church being appointed of God, and embracing in
it the divinely established instrumentalities through
which all (1) spiritual blessing are bestowed, no
one who has heard the gospel call, can ordinarily
be saved without its pale.” Dr. Gumming too, in
l R recent work, “The Baptismal Font,” says, ad
i dressing those who were baptised in their infan
cy. but who were living without God and without
i Christ in the world, “ As the ark saved from tem-
J * Romanists affirm, that no instanca is to be f-mnd .. n ih*
j’l* a born Catholic has renounced his J
THE CHBISTIA Hff N D E X
porai judgments ewwt dSh uoiggfeaerated m
may the shadow of tbe church of God frequently
screen you.” He also teaches that, in order to
insure an extension to one of “the offers of the
gospel, tbe meaus ■of grace, and the special pres
ence of Christ ” be must enter “ within the visible
church, mixed as it is”—i. e. composed of good
and bad.
To baptism , too, they ascribe ail the virtue of
the Saviour’s blood, and all the efficacy of the
Holy Spirit; for they teach, that it “seals grace;”
and, again, that it is“ a means of grace, not mere
ly as a positive institution on account of its~3irine
appointment*, bqt also by virtue of its precepdUAe
moral aptitude ,” <fee.—(Schmuckerd . Tbaiflj
“ a seal” of “the covenant of grace^-of 'oT*‘in
grafting into Christ”—of ’ “regeneration”—of a
“remission of sins”—of one’s “giving ujf r unto.
God,” (fee.—(Weßtrain. Con.)—of “adoptiop” —of
“adoption”—of “resurrection unto everlasting life”
—of “the benefits of hi 6 (Christ’s) mediation”
(Larg. Catech., ch. Scot.—of “the adoption and
election of those whom be (God) hath predestina
ted eternally”—of “the promises of forgiveness of
sin and of our adoption to be the sons of God’
(39 Arts. cb. Eng.)—of “the grace of God”—and
of many other things, “too tedious to
It is represented not only as “a seal of regenera
tion,” but also as “a means of regeneration—a !
means by which God effects and bestows it !” j
(Besiegter Wiedertauter) —as inducing one “into :
the covenant of grace,” (Buddens.) —as “the ap- \
pointed means of salvation,” (Baier.) —as a “sign
of faith”—which cannot exist in tho infant
(Bamptor Lectures.) It is further represented;
not only as a seal, a meaus, and a sign, but also
as “ a pledge on the part of God, that he will im
part to the baptized “ tbe remission of sins l” —
(Dickson, Prof. Divin. Un. Ddinb.)
Dr. Gumming, the very popular Presbyterian
Ijecturer in London, author of Apocalyptic Lec
tures, (fee., (fee., teaches that baptised children are
rendered responsible by the process of sprinkling
to which they are subjected, involuntarily and un
consciously, in infancy. Addressing the juveniles
of his flock, ho says,’ “ You may in maturer years
declare your deliberate abjuration of every re
sponsibility your fifther and mother clothed you
with at the baptismal font.” Parents clothing their
children with responsibility to the Maker ! He
further represents to their baptism imposed an ;
“ obligation” upon them to •* embrace the offers of
the gospel. If this be so, thou those who have
not been baptised are under no obligations to em
brace those offers! He affirms of baptised infants,
that they are “enrolled in the ranks of the visible
church and associated with that holy household, j
of which Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and Prophets j
and Apostles were members,” —“solemnly enrolled
in the ranks of those who war against sin in its i
root arid in its branches”—that they have been
“set apart to the office of a holy priesthood—that
they “are not common or unclean”—that they i
“are federally holy, a few outwardly,” and no
more “aliens and strangers”—that their baptism
sheds “anew and holy light” on their parents,
creates anew *• spiritual—relationship,” clothes
their parents with “a priestly character,” and a
“heavenly authority”—that by their baptism they
“ are elevated to a high and honorable rank—are
members with the children of God—are clothed
with the holy livery, and called by the glorious
name of Christian”—that “ on” their “side do an
gels encamp”—that their “ outward baptism,”
their “incorporation into outward fellowship with
the saints of God,” is to them “ not only the re
sponsibility of a mighty privilege, but the tempo
ral production, also of an outstretched shield, and
the fiery storm that descends on the heathen may
not fall on them, yet for the sake (mark you, not
of Christ, but) of those among whom they are
placed in the providence of God!!” They are told
that to Christ they “ were joined in baptism be
fore they were able deliberately to exercise a
choice”—that they are in a state of “allegiance to .
him” (Christ)- —that they “have received the spirit
of Christ,” aud to them “the promises of the New
Covenant sealed up in baptism do belong”—that
they “are members of the church which is sandi
fed and cleansed by the washing of water by the
worrf’V-ihat their baptism is “a pledge (on the
part of God, of course, av no one else has power
to remit sin,)’ of the remission of sins.” A pledge
which, it seems, God does not always fulfil!—
Much more of a similar import may be gathered
from “ the Baptismal Fount,” but surely the above
is enough to fill tbe soul of the Christian reader
with a holy horror, at the manifest falsification of
God’s word, by one who professes to have been
commissioned to proclaim and expound it! Who
will not shudder at the thought of the effect which
such language as that used by Dr. Cumming,
and the others cited, is calculated to produce on a
group of thoughtless, giddy juveniles ? I know
of nothing in the doctrines of the Roman church
more decidedly antichristian than the sentiments
contained in the foregoing extracts.
What McGavin, a Presbyterian has said of
Popery and socinianism, may, with equal truth,
be affirmed of Popery and Pedobaptism ; “the two
systems are only different modifications of tho ons;
apostasy which originated in man’s apostasy from
God, at the fall. They are both the religion o?
corrupt human nature, which refuses to submit to
tbe will, and wisdom, and righteousness of God;
and which would exalt the creature above all that
is called God, and that is worshiped.” (Protest.
V. 11., 626.) Again, in both, “the Antichrist is
equally manifest; and had it been possible for the
apostles themselves to lmve brought such doc
trines, they would have been justly rejected.”—
(V. 11., 631.)
I will dose this article, which has already been
extended, I fear, to too great a length, with an
extract from Tertuilian, which is applicable to
heretical doctrine, and antiscriptural practices,
with but a slight variation : Situ diabolipompam
oderis. quid quid ex ea attiyeris, id scias esse id.
olatriu7n : which, for the satisfaction of the com
mon reader, I will render into English : “If thou
abhorrat pomp of the devil, whatsoever thou
to u chest of it, know thou to be-idolatry,” In oili
er words, give no countenance to errors which
you abhor, if you would not lie responsible for
them. * J„S. B.
P. S. I would be much gratified if someone of
your many able correspondents would furnish an
answer to the inquiry made. B.
----
For the Index.
“A Sabbath-Day’s Journey.”—Acts 1:12
It is strange how often the language and allu
sions of the Scriptures are perverted. Perhaps
one grand reason of this is the strong propensity
which some persons have for getting a spiritual
meaning ©u4of everything. Now, there is enough
truth taught in the inspired word, without requir
ing ns to find it wb,en it does not exist. When
quotations frofjsi the Scriptuffes.are judiciously in
kt(pl!|peci„their effect is good, very good; other
wise it is bad, very baj. In a previous article, f
noticed a perversion of Scriptural language in tire
case of Peter’s following the Savior; in this I shall
notice briefly, what I conceive to be a very un
meaning allusion to the phrase, “A Sabbath-day’s
journey.”
This expression occurs, I think, but once in the
Bible. It is not uncommon to hear it introduced
into prayer as follows : “Lord, may we so spend
this holy Sabbath, that at its close we may all feel
i that we have made a Sabbath-day’s journey to-
I wards the kingdom of heaven.” Now, the spirit
! of this petition is good: but what shall we say to
the letter? What was a Sabbath-day’s journsy?
According to Jewish tradition, it was the distance
wWch q. person'might lawfully travel on the Sab
bath. And what was that distance? About one
mile; some say more, some say less. Apply this
to the elucidation of the phrase as introduced
above, and we have the person desiring less Spir
itual advlitt<s|ment on the Sabbath, than arty
other day. It is right to pray with the Spirit,
but we should pray with’the understanding also.
More anon. K.
Written for the Index
The Late Mrs. Emily C- Judson
UY MISS C. W. BARBER.
The years—how swiftfly they glide away!
What changes thifcr produce in the history of in
dividuals ! —what developements of character do
i they make! How are they sometimes fraught
; with unlocked for and undreamed of events!
We remember some years ago, (it seems, for
sooth, but yesterday) taking up one day a num
ber of a Magazine conducted by some of the
teachers and members of a Female Seminary, in
Utica, N. Y. In it there was a tale from the pen
jof Fanny Forester—a name which had then been
J scarcely heard outside of the Seminary walls.—
! Our attention was particularly called to the arti
! cle, by a member of the school, who was, if we
i mistake not, a room mate of Miss Chnbbuck’s at
j that time, and who was also a friend of ours,
j “Read it,” she said, “I am sure you will like it.
• Miss Chubbuck writes very prettily. Wo a!! toll
’ her that she was born to be famous.”
f
; A few years afterwards, we recognized tracings
| of the same pen in the columns of the “Home
! Journal,” in “Graham’s Magazine,” and perhaps
|in “Gody’s Lady’s Book.” We read Willis’ flat
} toring comments on the genius of the writer, and
| said mentally, “Miss Chubbuek’s star is indeed in
: the ascendant: the school girls at Miss Sheldon’s
i Seminary were right it seems: Fanny Forester
| was ‘born to be famous.’ ”
But how little did we dream even then, that
! the gifted writer, whoso earliest literary efforts
| had so moved to admiration her schoolmates, was
destined to become the wife and co-laborer of tbat
venerable and venerated Apostle, Judson, whose
name had been for years a cherished .“household
word” throughout Christendom ! But. such was
the fact, and when we read of her embarkation for
Burmab, we said again mentally, “those school
mates only half read her destiny; she was l>orn to
be something better than famous—she will boa
blessing to her race.”
Time glided away on noiseless pinions, anu
Fanny Forester reached her new home, and enter
ed upon the arduous and sometimes painful duties
of the life, which she had chosen. We watched,
as did many others, to see if in any of her letters
a fine expressive of regret could be traced; but no !
all was hopeful, sunny and bright above and
ayound-her way.
* mor£. and more convinced,” she wrote,
“that I am on the right side of the Atlantic,” or
something to that effect. Again she declares
while referring to her home, tbat
“Broad India holds not a happier nest,”
and yet again she gives a picture of her domestic
life, and speaks of l)r. Judson as being busy over
his dictionary until five o’clock in the afternoon,
while she wrote and studied with the children,
and a dog, which was, to quote her own words,
“their especial property,” capering and frolicking
about her. She was evidently a happy woman.
Those who, raven-like, had croaked only of evil
at the time of her marriage, were constrained to
acknowledge the fact, and some of the newspa-
“Fanny Forester, after a!!, seems to have
made a very happy match.”
But alas! eantb holds no Edens. The exist
ence so happily entered upon, was destined to
soon end. Dr. Judson died, and Fanny Forester
ever afterwards, drooped and tainted upon her
way, until at last, she plumed a wing for her im
mortal flight, and followed her sainted husband
to that happy clime, where
“he left
The pearly gates ajar.”
We would like in this connection to dwell upon
Mrs. Judson’s genius; but abler pens than ours, we
hope, are at this moment, busy inditing her biog
raphy. That genius was of no ordinary stamp;
few have written in tho English language as sweet
ly and touchingly as she has done.
Her domestic virtues are equally striking.—
England’s sweetest poetess has said, that
“The heart of woman is all bound up -
In her affections.”
and Mrs. Judson’s fife, writings, and death even,
verefies the truth of the assertion.
But brilliant as was her genius'—lovely as were*!
her domestic qualities—everything hy\j
the self-sacrificing and devoted character of ‘fier
piety. When, as she herself so warmfully ex
presses it,
“Everything of earth had frowned,”
on her poor stricken head—when husband, and ]
children, and health, even ail taken away—we j
find her clinging to the cross of Calvary, and
murmuring with martyr-like firmness, “J Yot my
will, but thine 0 Cod be done.”
Tbe world will, we hope, in days to come, pro
duce brilliant writers, and devoted missionaries,
but long will it bo. we prophecy, before one arises
who will, in all that is lovely and ennobling in
woman, surpass the meek, gentle, devoted, and
gifted, Emily C. Judson.
■ INDEX.
THURSDAY MORNING, A PHIL 10.
All arrearages are charged at $2 60 per annum,
or 6 cents per number. For all payments in advance
the paper is furnished at $2 00 per annum, or 4 cents
per number
cxsmammmßmsmssmassmmsamwßsammaammmmmmmsmKn
A Prince and a great man in Isarel is fallen!
Vincent Redman Thornton is uo more. On
Thursday last, about sunset, while standing at bis
front gate, talking with his brother-in-law, bo was
attacked by n stroke of paralysis. From that
time he was speechless, though he retained his
consciousness till about two hours before bis death.
He died at one o’clock P. M. on Friday, 4ib
April.
Brother Thornton was so well known, that
there is no necessity to write his eulogy: his
praise is in all the churches. Like Apollos, he
was “ an eloquent man and mighty in the Scrip
tures.” As an expounder of the great doctrines
of grace, ho was certainly without a superior,
perhaps without an equal. After a paralytic
stroke, in November, 1854 (from which he never
fully recovered) he habitually looked upon his de
parture as near, and was in enjoyment of a full
assurance of faith. In that assurance he selectee!
the text from which he desired his funeral sermon
to be preached, 2 Tim. 1:12. I know in whom
I have believed.
He was born 19th July 1805—was baptized
into the fellowship of the Bethesda Baptist
Church, on the 20th April 1628. On tbe 12th
May 1831, he was ordained as a minister of the
Gospel by a Presbytery, consisting of Jesse Mer
ger, Adiel Sherwood. Jack Lurdpkin, Biliington M.
Sanders, Enoch Callaway, and Jonathan Davis.
Ho died, as before stated, on the 4th April 1856,
in the 51st year of his age, and tho 25th of his
ministry. N. M. C.
April 7, 1856.
Tennessee Baptist will* please copy.
The Christian Union.
From the Index, and other sources, our readers
are aware that there is published in Augusta, in this
State, a monthly with the above title. Jts professed
object, which is a good one, is to bring all Chris
tians to unite as one people upon those truths
which were first, made known in the world, as the
gospel of Jesus Christ. The general character of
the articles found in it, have been interesting to
the lovers of truth. We cheerfully make this ad
mission, since from the first number issued until
now, there has been no little curiosity to know the
plan upon which this desirable result was to be
obtained. In common with many, we have been
solicitous to know, like Pilate, the truth. The
several Editors have, so far, moved with a cautious
step, apprized as they doubtless are of the im
mense mass of rubbish that must be removed be
fore God’s people shall ail be one. That great
injury has been done the cause of Christ by the
numerous parties of professing Christians at pre
sent existing, no one can doubt. And that, it
would be a pleasing evidence of the prevalence of
; true Christianity to know, that all were of one
heart and one mind, and also that it is the duty
of every friend of religion to labor in effecting
this happy change, will not be questioned. For
one, we stand ready to receive with open arms all
fellow helpers of the truth. We shall ever labor
to keep those who stand upon the Bible platform
in their place, while inviting others to join us iu
our march, through this world, to the house not
made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
If all mistakes could be corrected, and all the
schisms that have rent the church, could be heal
ed by adopting the name Christian, rather than
any other; for one, the name Baptist would be
willingly relinquished, and that of Christian ta
ken in its place.
But there is reason to think, if the Christian
world were united upon this or any other name,
many years would not elapse before some distin
guished partizan would arise, to play the part per
formed by some of old—to draw away disciples
after himself.
Tbe, Editor of the Christian Union claims that
we are bound to give up the name Baptist, and
be called with him a Christian: but what would
be gained. Suppose that hereafter every Baptist
gives up his name, and styles himself a Christian,
would not others call us Carapbeliites? This ques
tion is propounded became we fear that the in
tention of its Editors, is to set forth as the basis
of Gospel Union, the views entertained by their
distinguished Leader. Our Fathers years ago, in
selecting a name for their paper, fixed upon that
of the CHRISTIAN Index. It has not been, we
know, tbe advocate of Baptism, more than of any
other Christian duty. So far as baptism was ne
cessary, it lias been insisted upon, not to tbe ex
clusion of other duties of equal, if not of para
mount importance. The Editorial of ours, which
the “Union” copied in part, and which he wished
us to read again has l*een looked over a second
time, but seeing nothing in it that is thought ne
cessary to be changed, wo,shall let it stand the
test, of the “Union’s” strength. The Union ought
to reftd it again, before charging the Index with
making a thrust at him. Will it say that none
of these who have called themselves Christians,
j have ever taught doctrines at variance with true’
; Christianity. *Now how he finds himself iir tmfe
category upon any other principle than this, that
a'guilty conscience needs no accuser, we are at -*
I loss to discover,
j
j The North and South.
j The question now agitating the public mind
with reference to the settlement and future police
of some of the territories of this confederacv is
one, which if its agitation continues must alienate,
if not sever one section of the Union from the
other. In common with the conservative of all
parties and religions, we have regretted from
the firet, the agitation of If question forced upon
us by tbe recklessness of those whom we should
rejoice ever to take by ihe hand as friends. Gen
erally the furious and rabid, speeches which have
appeared m the public prints have been attributed
to frothy political leaders, or to those ignorant of
their brethren in other parts.
But tho-controversy has now assumed a threat
ening and deadly hostility. A portion of the
United States Territory has been selected for the
settlement of a question, in which is involved the
peace of this nation and this sige. What part is
to be taken by Christians in its adjustment, the fu
ture will disclose. A reliance on the God of our
Fathers is the resource that is left us. The good
every where should unite to sustain the lawful au
thorities.
Tho world ought to know, as it will, that the
religion of some of the leading men at the North
is not that taught by Christ and his Apostles.—
The church and the college are now furnishing
the men and the mcSns, not to evangelize— not •
to go forth and preach, but men armed with rilles
—and the implements of warfare, to go and eta
lion themselves in a territory to resist the govern
ment, should its policy differ from their own
choice.
Southern people ought to know that Professor
S’.iltman. of Yalo college, whose journal has cir
culated at the South, has of late appealed to the
classes in the coilege where he acts as instructor,
to aid io purchasing rifles for those who are emi
grating to Kansas. Will Southern young men
any more resort for instruction to such an institu
tion, when it is known that the different organs
of thaw colleges speak of them as the most vul
gar and low of all students? It has been said
again and again, that they are under no obliga
tions to us, and are entirely independent. Let no
young man from Georgia, hereafter complain of
insults in Northern colleges. Let them stay at
home and patronize their own institutions if they
would enjoy the privilege which they a, dearh
prize of being treated as gentlemen.
Bible Uni on-
Thfe New York Chronicle corrects the state
ment made by the Christian Chronicle of Phila
delphia, that Dr. M'Clay had resigned the Presi
dency of the Union on account of certain hereti
cal expressions that were creeping into tho new
translation. It also publishes the letter of Win.
Colgate, who had acted as its Treasurer, contain
ing his resignation of that office. Hi> old ae<’ is
assigned the cause.
Georgia Baptist Convention.
Brother Martin: I will thank you to announce
that the Central Rail Road, the Macon a- West
ern, the Western a- Atlantic or State Road ,
and the Muscogee Rail Road will pass delegates
to and from the Convention in Savannah for one
Jure. The delegates will pay going down and
will return free on presenting’ certificates from the
President of the Convention.
The South Western and Augusta <{• Waynes
boro ’ Railroads will also pass Delegates for one
fare. N. M. CRAWFORD.
Baptist Convention.
At a meeting of the Committees of the lt and
2d Baptist Churches of this city, held on last
evening, I was dincled to give notice -through
the Index, to the delegates, who contemplate at
tending the approaching Convention, that a com
mittee will be in attendance at the Railroad de
pot on the evening of 24th, and morning of the
25th inst., to provide for their entertainment.
Two introductory services will be held in the
Ist Baptist Church at 10J o’clock, P. M. On 25th
the Convention will immediately afterwards or
ganize in the 2d Baptist Church.
J. W. RABUN,
Chairman Joint Committee.
Savannah, April 2, 1866.
For the Index.
To the Southern Baptist Publicutio7i Society —
Ba27iists of Georgia and Florida : The time for
the Conventions to meet in Savannah and Augus
ta, is close at hand. Will you not remember tbe
pressing necessities of your publishing Society at
Charleston ; and come up fully prepared to place
that institution in a position to meet promptly the
demands made upon it? Will you not respond to
the cal! for #25,000, when it is all that the So
ciety asks at your hands, to enable her to compete
with a similar institution, wielding a capital of half
a million ? Brethren, we have too long slumbered ‘
over this matter; let us arise and give our publi
cation Society a strong lift, and a lift altogether ,
and place it at once in a position where it can sus
tain itself; then, instead of calling upon you for
aid, it will be in a condition to aid you in everv
good work. Soon will it be able to furnish ali
your Sabboth Schools with a full suit of Babtist
Sabboth-Scbool Books; soon will you find the
Colporteur at your door, richly laden with all her
publications.
Tho members of the Young Men’s Missionary
Society of Mercer University, will please accept
our thanks (on behalf of the Publication Society)
for tho prompt and liberal manner they responded
to the cal made upon them, by giving throe
four the-of (heir available funds —some $22,00 —
for tbe benefit of the publication interest.
B. S. FULLER. Agt. S. B. P. fi.
Penfield, April 9tlr, 1850,
April